Sea-Bird's inductive modem uses a mooring cable as the communication link, permitting the underwater instrument(s) to be easily positioned at any depth without the use of cable connectors. See the following for technical details and a schematic of an inductive modem system:
Real-Time Oceanography with Inductive Moorings -- Technical paper provides background information on inductive modems, principles of inductive coupling, mooring configurations, use in fresh water, system components, mooring cable and cable fitting resources, and a summary of OEM components available from Sea-Bird.
Typical Inductive Modem Mooring Components -- Schematic provides a pictorial overview of an inductive modem system.
Sea-Bird's inductive modem products include:
Brochure/specifications - html or pdf Manual - Current or All Reference Sheet Configuration options & accessories
The SBE 16plus-IM V2 conductivity and temperature recorder is self-powered and self-contained, with an integral inductive modem for communication for depths up to 7000 meters (22,900 ft). The 16plus-IM records data at programmable intervals in FLASH RAM. Six differentially amplified A/D input voltage channels and one RS-232 channel for auxiliary sensors are standard.
| Measures | Auxiliary Sensors | Memory | Power | Comments | |
| Internal | External | ||||
|
Conductivity, Temperature, Pressure (optional) |
6 A/D; 1 RS-232 |
64 Mb | √ | Optional pump | |
SBE 16plus-IM SEACAT C-T (P optional) Recorder
Not in production since February 2008; replaced by SBE 16plus-IM V2.
Brochure/specifications - html or pdf Manual - Current or All Reference Sheet Configuration options & accessories
The SBE 37-IM is a high-accuracy, self-contained conductivity and temperature sensor (pressure optional) with an integral inductive modem for communication for depths up to 7000 meters (23,000 ft). The MicroCAT records data at programmable intervals in FLASH RAM. Click here for a comparison of features across the MicroCAT product line.
| Measures | Auxiliary Sensors | Memory | Power | Comments | |
| Internal | External | ||||
|
Conductivity, Temperature, Pressure (optional) |
8 Mb * | √ | -- | ||
| * 37-IM with digital firmware version < 3.0 has 2 Mb memory. | |||||
Brochure/specifications - html or pdf Current or All Reference Sheet Configuration options & accessories
The SBE 37-IMP combines the features of the SBE 37-IM with an integral, internal pump. The pump provides improved conductivity response and anti-foul protection. Click here for a comparison of features across the MicroCAT product line.
| Measures | Auxiliary Sensors | Memory | Power | Comments | |
| Internal | External | ||||
|
Conductivity, Temperature, Pressure (optional) |
8 Mb * | √ | Includes integral pump | ||
| * 37-IMP with digital firmware version < 3.0 has 2 Mb memory. | |||||
Brochure/specifications - html or pdf Manual - Current Reference Sheet Configuration options & accessories
The SBE 37-IMP-IDO combines the features of the SBE 37-IMP with an Integrated Dissolved Oxygen sensor (IDO). The pump provides improved conductivity and oxygen response and anti-foul protection. Click here for a comparison of features across the MicroCAT product line.
| Measures | Auxiliary Sensors | Memory | Power | Comments | |
| Internal | External | ||||
|
Conductivity, Temperature, Pressure (optional) |
Integrated Dissolved Oxygen | 8 Mb | √ | Includes integral pump | |
Brochure/specifications - html or pdf Manual - Current or All Reference Sheet Configuration options & accessories
The SBE 39-IM is a high-accuracy temperature (pressure optional) recorder with internal battery and memory, and an integral inductive modem for communication at depths up to 10,500 meters (34,400 ft).
| Measures | Auxiliary Sensors | Memory | Power | Comments | |
| Internal | External | ||||
| Temperature, Pressure (optional) |
64
Mb (32,900,000 bytes usable) |
√ | -- | ||
Brochure/specifications - html or pdf Manual - Current or All Reference Sheet Configuration options & accessories
The SBE 44 makes it possible to integrate current meters, Doppler profilers, or other instruments having standard serial interfaces with MicroCATs or other instruments that communicate via Sea-Bird’s inductive modem telemetry system. An underwater bulkhead connector on the end cap provides the serial data connection, a control line, and switched power out to the instrument.
| Measures | Auxiliary Sensors | Memory | Power | Comments | |
| Internal | External | ||||
| -- | 1 RS-232 | 30 Kb FIFO buffer | √ | √ | -- |
Brochure/specifications - html or pdf Configuration options & accessories
The UIMM makes it possible to integrate current meters, Doppler profilers, or other instruments having standard RS-232 serial interfaces with MicroCATs or other instruments that communicate via Sea-Bird’s inductive modem telemetry system. An underwater bulkhead connector on the end cap provides the serial data connection and transmits a small amount of power from your instrument to the UIMM. The UIMM provides a more flexible interface than the SBE 44, and is an economical alternative to the SBE 44 for RS-232 instruments that have an internal power supply or where you plan to power the RS-232 instrument with an external battery pack.
| Measures (C,T,P) | Auxiliary Sensors | Memory | Power | Comments | |
| Internal | External | ||||
| -- | 1 RS-232 | 16 Kb Sample Data Memory | √ | -- | |
Brochure/specifications - html or pdf Configuration options & accessories
The SIM, housed in a buoy or on land, provides the link between the underwater inductive modem instruments (SBE 16plus-IM, 16plus-IM V2, 37-IM, 37-IMP, 37-IMP-IDO, 39-IM, 44, or UIMM) and the computer or buoy controller. Communication with the computer/buoy controller is via RS-232 (optional RS-485).
Brochure/specifications - html or pdf Configuration options & accessories
The ICC links the underwater inductive modem (SBE 16plus-IM, 16plus-IM V2, 37-IM, 37-IMP, 37-IMP-IDO, 39-IM, 44, or UIMM) and the Surface Inductive Modem for typical buoy applications.
Brochure/specifications/links to application notes - html or pdf
The Inductive Modem Module (IMM) is a low-power microprocessor peripheral that interfaces new or existing instruments capable of logic-level serial, RS-232, or RS-485 to inductive moorings. The IMM telemetry is fully compatible with existing instruments and Surface Inductive Modems (SIMs).
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Sea-Bird Home Phone: (+1) 425-643-9866 Fax: (+1) 425-643-9954 E-mail: seabird@seabird.com